Unlike enriched foods, which have been refined and/or had parts of the grain removed, multigrain foods contain every part of the whole grain, including the endosperm, germ and oat. These key grain parts contain important vitamins and minerals including protein, fiber and iron. Compared to white bread or other enriched foods, multigrain foods are a healthier alternative, support an active lifestyle, build strong teeth and bones and help keep your digestive system regular.
Breads
The healthiest multigrain breads are made with a whole-wheat flour base combined with oats, barley, rye and other sprouted grains. Compared to plain whole-wheat bread, which is also a better choice than white varieties, multigrain breads contain a wide variety of nutrients such as protein, iron, fiber, B-vitamins and magnesium. Check the nutrition label for the words "whole grain" as one of the first few ingredients listed. Without it, the FitDay website cautions, the bread is no different than enriched white bread.
Pasta
Just like enriched breads, enriched pastas have been stripped of many important parts, and thus a large measure of nutritional value. Multigrain pastas appear darker in color and may have an earthy taste than enriched pasta. When topped with spaghetti sauce, most people cannot tell the difference between the two. Compared to enriched pasta, multigrain pasta contains more nutrients to help support a healthy diet. These include protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates; some brands may also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Cereal
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, all the better to start it off with a bowl of cereal that is good for you. Multigrain cereals are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Multigrain cereals also come with a host of phytochemicals, such as phytic acid, typically not found in regular cereals. These phytochemicals help protect your body against coronary heart disease and various types of cancer, reduce your risk of diabetes and obesity and lower cholesterol, according to the Whole Fitness website.
Oatmeal
Compared to instant oatmeal, which is typically full of sugar, multigrain oatmeal is healthier and more satisfying. Multigrain oatmeal fills you up, which causes you to eat less food throughout the day --- helpful if you're seeking to lose weight. It also contains fewer calories and sugar than a bowl of instant oatmeal. Multigrain oatmeal helps relieve gastrointestinal problems, lowers cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease and diabetes and helps control your weight.
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